Crew exploring Galapagos hydrothermal vents finds stunning creatures

The E/V Nautilus expedition crew is currently visiting the Galapagos Rift region and studying the biological diversity of the undersea part of the area. A recently uploaded video shows the team exploring the Galapagos hydrothermal vents and encountering some truly incredible creatures that call the place home.

Among the species spotted during the expedition was the Flamboyant Squid Worm, which was only recently discovered in 2007.

No sunlight reaches the hydrothermal vents and the energy comes from chemicals in the earth's crust, providing sustenance for organisms deep in the ocean.

The expedition's website notes, "In addition to hydrothermal vents, an important habitat for biological comm unities are the steep volcanic slopes of the Galapagos Islands and nearby seamounts. Deep sea corals (DSC) can be large (in excess of several meters in height) and offer shelter and habitat space for many other associated organisms."

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Crew exploring Galapagos hydrothermal vents finds stunning creatures

A Sally Lightfoot Crab on Santa Cruz Island, on the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. (John Stillwell/PA Archive)